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March 28, 2025

New Trump EO Aims to Gut Smithsonian Institution
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In his latest attack on cultural institutions, President Trump signed an
executive order Thursday appointing JD Vance to eliminate "divisive
race-centered ideology" from Smithsonian museums, research centers and
the National Zoo. The order, called "Restoring Truth and Sanity to
American History," aims to remove exhibits and programs that portray
U.S. history and values as "inherently harmful and oppressive." It cites
in particular the National Museum of African American History and
Culture, which opened in 2016. The Smithsonian operates independently
since it was established as a public-private partnership by Congress in
1846. It receives roughly 60% of its funding from the federal
government.


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